# Chapter XXXVI explained — Jane Eyre

> Chapter companion for Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

## What happens

Jane learns from a former servant of Thornfield Hall about the devastating fire that destroyed the estate, the death of Bertha Mason, and Mr. Rochester's heroic but crippling injuries, which have left him blind and living as a recluse at Ferndean. She resolves to go to him immediately.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Secrecy

Bertha Mason's madness and her secret confinement are revealed as the cause of the fire and Rochester's ruin.

### Love and Morality

Rochester's love for Jane and his moral choices are contrasted with the judgment of others regarding his secret marriage.

### Self-Respect and Integrity

Jane's determination to go to Rochester despite his condition shows her integrity and commitment.

## Character check-ins

### Jane Eyre

Jane is the listener, learning the fate of Thornfield and Mr. Rochester, and decides to go to Ferndean.

### Mr. Rochester

Revealed to be alive but blind and crippled after the fire, living at Ferndean.

### Bertha Mason

Died by jumping from the roof during the fire, which she started.

### Grace Poole

Mentioned as Bertha's keeper who drank gin, allowing Bertha to escape.

### Mrs. Fairfax

Mentioned as having been sent away by Mr. Rochester with an annuity.

### Adèle Varens

Mentioned as having been put to school by Mr. Rochester.

## Key lines

> He is stone-blind, is Mr. Edward.

Mr. Rochester is completely blind.

_The innkeeper reveals Rochester's blindness to Jane._

> She was a big woman, and had long black hair: we could see it streaming against the flames as she stood.

Bertha was a large woman with long black hair visible against the fire.

_Description of Bertha on the roof before her death._

> I had dreaded worse. I had dreaded he was mad.

Jane feared Rochester might have lost his mind, which she considered worse than blindness.

_Jane's relief upon learning Rochester is not insane._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jane_eyre_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters